All about Sinusitis

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Sinusitis is also known as rhinosinusitis (RS). It is the inflammation of the lining membrane in the sinuses. Infection, allergies, and air pollution can cause sinusitis. It occurs because of the blockage of airflow in the sinuses due to contaminants like pollen and dust.

It is a common disease globally and sometimes needs to be treated as early as possible. In 2018, 28.9 million adults in the US show symptoms of sinusitis that is 11.6%.

Types of Sinusitis

1.     Acute sinusitis

Acute sinusitis is most common in people. In this type of sinusitis, the person suffers from short term inflammation in the membranes. It doesn’t last longer than four weeks. It occurs because of viral infections.

2.     Subacute Sinusitis

This takes more time than acute sinusitis to heal. It usually caused by viral and bacterial infections. This can be completely cured with proper treatment. Symptoms last from four to twelve weeks.

3.     Chronic Sinusitis

This is the most painful and severe form of sinusitis and needs immediate treatment. It may even require surgery. It can last longer than three months. It occurs because of the swelling in the nose. You will experience difficulty in breathing. Sometimes, doctors suggest surgeries for chronic sinusitis.

Symptoms of Sinusitis

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You feel pain in your Sinusus

It is the most common symptom. You have various sinuses near your eyes and nose. Swelling and inflammation in your sinus lead to pain and pressure in the nose. You may also feel pain on your upper jaw, teeth, and forehead.

Excessive Nasal Discharge

You feel the need for nasal discharge very often because the infection in your sinuses results in discharge from your nasal passages. Your mucus will look green or yellow and cloudy during the infection.

You will also feel sore throat and itchiness. It causes you to cough at night and once you wake up. Your voice also changes and sounds hoarse.

Severe Headaches

Sinusitis-induced headaches can be very painful. It occurs because of the swelling and pressure in the sinuses.

Sinus headaches are the worst headaches. You will feel more pain in the morning because mucus collects throughout the night that leads to pain. Your headaches also increase when your environment conges suddenly because of the biometric pressure.

Sinusitis also causes pain in the ear, jaws, cheeks, and around the teeth.

Difficulty Breathing

You may also feel difficulty in breathing because of inflamed sinuses. Sinus blocks the air passage. You may also face a problem in smell or taste. Your voice also changes due to the infection.

Irritation in the Throat

Sinus discharged drains down in the throat, which causes irritation in your throat. This irritation remains for a longer time. You cough worsens and gets more painful at night.  You may face difficulty in sleeping. Sleep upright to reduce the cough and itchiness in the throat.

Your Voice May Become Hoarse

Sinusitis leads to a sore throat. A hoarse voice is also the symptom. Your voice becomes stuffy. You also feel difficulty in talking because of a sore throat.

Treatments of Acute and Subacute Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis mostly resolves without the need for treatments. Nonetheless, sinusitis is uncomfortable, which is why people use home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. They commonly use nasal decongestant spray.

You can also use steroid nasal spray, which is safer for longer periods of use. Use medication that contains decongestants and antihistamines. They will help relieve a sinus infection.

Herbal treatments are also helpful. Some medicines available in the market contain essential oils and sinupret. They can also help alleviate symptoms

Treatments of Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis can occur because of allergies. Since prevention is better than cure, avoiding allergens as pollen or dust prevents you from developing an infection in the first place. You can also use chronic sprays but consult your doctor before using it. Antibiotics don’t resolve chronic sinusitis since it is not a bacterial infection.

Surgery of the sinus is necessary if there are polyps in the sinus. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a common treatment. If you’re suffering from other complications, other surgeries can also resolve issues. Septoplasty is recommended to treat a deviated septum. Surgeries should always be the last option for treating chronic sinusitis.

Conclusion

Sinus is a painful medical condition. You feel pain in the head, nose, ears, and even around the teeth. It is important to diagnose and treat it properly. Acute and subacute sinuses are not as harmful as chronic and often cured without treatment. However, chronic is much more painful and harmful if it is the result of a deviated septum.

NYC Allergist Boyan Hadjiev offers the best sinusitis treatments. We will suggest the best treatment for your type of sinusitis, and will prescribe medication where necessary or advise natural remedies.

Book an allergy telemedicine appointment today!

Boyan Hadjiev, MD
212-319-5282